Communications Bachelor of Arts

Across disciplines and industries, employers in B.C. and Canada list communications skills as a must-have.

Indeed, to succeed in today's high-tech, info-crazed world, the ability to weave words and images together is essential. Whether it's an email message, oral presentation, résumé, magazine article, how-to-manual, travel brochure, novel, bus billboard, web page, or even a cereal box, communications material has to be written and presented in a clear and compelling style to appeal to its intended audience.

UFV's communications courses can enhance your career path in any discipline and give you useable skills in the workplace. They can also lead to an exciting career in communications, marketing, public relations, fundraising, and more.

UFV Communications courses are especially valuable if you are looking for a career as an editor, editorial assistant, advertising copywriter, technical writer, speech writer, technical editor, novelist, press secretary, communications officer, publicity agent, public affairs officer, communications specialist, fundraising consultant, or public relations manager.

Regardless of which career you choose, effective communications skills can give you the edge that sets you apart and provides you with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

View program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar

Declaration of Minor

You may formally declare a Communications minor only after you have completed at least thirty credits in your program with a minimum of a 2.00 CGPA on all credits attempted, provided that you have also met the declaration requirements of the subject discipline. Make an appointment with an Arts advisor to declare your minor.

How to apply

For information on how to add a Communications minor to your degree, please make an appointment with an Arts advisor. When you are ready to apply, visit the Office of the Registrar. You can submit your application, along with the required documents and application fee, to the Office of the Registrar at any campus or centre.

When to apply

If you plan to start your studies in the fall, your application should be received by January 31. Applications received after this deadline will be considered if space is available in the program.

Some communications courses that are listed as electives for UFV programs are required by professional associations and societies, or for transfer to university programs. Contact the Communications department for information on these courses or see an advisor or refer to the B.C. Transfer Guide before registering.

• B.C. high school graduation or equivalent;
• Or completion of a minimum of nine UFV or transferable post-secondary credits with a minimum 2.00 GPA (C average) based on all credits attempted;
• Or a minimum of 19 years of age by the start of the first class;
• Or, for admission into preparatory level programs only, a minimum of 17 years of age and out of high school for at least one year by the start of the semester.

What do communications professionals do?

Make and move messages within or between individuals, organizations, companies, NGOs, charities, societies, cultures, and media. They deliver ideas to public or private audiences.

What industries/fields need communications professionals?

Any organization that communicates with the public, clients, or businesses, such as corporate management, governmental management, policy producers, political and charitable interests all connect with, influence, or inform publics, clients, and strategic partners, often through the media.

Most large industries or corporate entities communicate internally, between departments, offices, or branches. Corporate communications and Organizational communications professionals shape and move this kind of messaging.

What does a communications career involve?

You shape the public or private/interior voice and identity of an organization, in writing, webpage design, A/V, social media, and public/media engagement.

If you've ever interacted with a company, a charity, a government, or an NGO, a professional communicator created the pathways, the messages, and the materials, and the themes for that communication.

What career field or industries do communications professionals work in?

Business:

• Management
• Personnel Recruiter
• Human Resources
• Trainer
• Public Information Officer   
• Industrial Relations
• Negotiator/Mediator
• Customer Service
• Editor
• Human Resources        

Public Relations:        

• Publicity / Advertising Manager
• Marketing Specialist   
• Lobbyist 
• Account Executive
• Corporate Public Affairs Specialist   
• Development Officer  
• Sales Manager 
• Creative Director   
• Media Analyst     
• Media Planner  
• Public Opinion Researcher

Advertising:   

• Advertising Specialist
• Marketing Specialist 
• Copy Writer     
• Account Executive Manager
• Media Planner    
• Creative Director   
• Public Researcher       

International Relations and Negotiations:    

• Trade Negotiator / Mediator  
• Corporate Representative   
• Translator    
• Diplomat         

Broadcasting:

• Station Manager    
• Director of Broadcasting   
• Community Relation Director Unit Manager
• News Writer/Manager 
• Technical Director 
• Advertising/Marketing    
• Announcer / Presenter
• Disc Jockey    
• News Manager   
• Casting Director     
• Producer         
• Business Manager       

Journalism (Print or Electronic):     

• Reporter  
• Editor  
• Newscaster   
• Author    
• Copy Writer    
• Script Writer
• News Service Researcher   
• Technical Writer   
• Acquisitions Editor  
• Media Interviewer

Theatre/Performing Arts:     

• Performer  
• Script Writer 
• Arts Administrator 
• Costume Design  
• Stage Manager  
• Casting Director

Government/Politics: 

• Public Information Officer     
• Legislative Assistant     
• Campaign Director     
• Research Specialist  
• Program Coordinator   
• Elected Official

High Technology Industries: 

• Television / Film Producer / Director    
• Systems Analyst  
• Technical Copywriter 

Communication and Health Care / Social Services: 

• Communication Director  
• Public Relations  
• Social Worker  
• Marketing Director  
• Research Analyst  
• Communication Analyst   
• Public Administrator   
• Human Rights Officer
• Community Affairs Liaison